PORT TOWNSEND — Carrying out a 22-year tradition, residents of Marrowstone Island named the 2004 Marrowstone Island Citizen of the Year on Monday night.
Gladys and Dave Heinzinger, island residents since 1993, were honored by about 50 members of the Marrowstone Island Community Association at the Garden Club.
They gave a standing ovation to the couple as the Heinzingers received the Citizen of the Year plaque.
“All I have to say is that we are in very good company,” said a visibly moved Gladys Heinzinger, 73.
Her husband, Dave, also 73, stood by with a look of surprise on his face.
“It’s a total surprise,” he said. “I had no thought of this ever happening.”
John Illman, previously a recipient of the Citizen of the Year award and a member of the award committee, said the selection this year was a tough pick.
“We had several good candidates,” Illman said.
Gladys Heinzinger said she is happy to find herself among so many wonderful people.
“It’s a great honor,” she said. “It’s a wonderful community.”
The Heinzingers’ ” contributions to the improvement of life on the island and Jefferson County have been extensive,” said Owen Mulkey, association member.
Garden Club participant
Gladys has been a member of the Nordland Garden Club for 11 years, serving as president, treasurer and a parliamentarian.
She is currently a registered agent and a chair of such committees as ways and means and plant sale.
Together with her husband, she has been active in planning and planting for the Soundview Cemetery landscaping project.
Over the years, the couple has been active in Community United Methodist Church in Port Hadlock — Gladys as finance chair and Dave as a trustee.
Both volunteered their time and efforts for the senior-citizen housing project, South Seven, and Habitat for Humanity.